Breathitt Veterinary Center Toxicology Department

The Toxicology Department provides an array of chemical analyses (pesticides, metals, mycotoxins plant alkaloids, etc.) primarily based on the needs of Kentucky veterinarians, agricultural producers, and pet owners. Our experienced personnel utilize thin layer and gas and liquid chromatographic procedures to identify, quantify, and confirm a variety of pesticides, feed additives, and mycotoxins in animal specimens and feeds. Atomic absorption spectrometry is used to quantitate metals in biological specimens from animals suspected of being poisoned. Atomic absorption and fluorescence spectrometers are also used to assess various nutritional deficiencies, including those involving copper, selenium, manganese, iron, and zinc. Various anions, such as nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, chloride and flouride are measured in water using ion exchange chromatograph.

Additional support for pet owners and the livestock industry is provided through consultation with Dr. Ramesh C. Gupta, DVM, PhD, DABT, Professor and Head of Toxicology. Suggested testing procedures, sampling requirements, and interpretation of analytical results are routinely provided.

Basic and applied research is pursued in the area of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides. Currently, this department is actively engaged in training graduate students.